Easter Seals Therapists Changing the Life of a Little Girl With Down Syndrome
By: Lisa Miller
Updated: February 7, 2013
PEORIA -- A Twin Cities little girl is thriving, thanks to her therapists at Easter Seals. She has Down Syndrome and is one of 35 kids receiving the help they need to live life to the fullest, and whose parents say Easter Seals changed their lives.
Meet McKale Marquis. She's a three and a half year old little girl who loves her pink tutu and loves life. She's the star of the show.
"Full of lots of energy and smiles. It's kind of like traveling with a rock star. She's a popular little girl. Everywhere she goes, everyone is kind of drawn to her," said Shelley Marquis, McKale's mother.
McKale's parents were drawn to her the moment she was born. It was also a moment that would change their lives forever. They discovered then McKale has Down Syndrome.
"We were shocked to say the least and scared I would say, but it's good to be on the side of that and realize all the help and support we've had a long the way to show us everything is ok," said Shelley Marquis
The family found Easter Seals, and by the time McKale was nine months old, she was already receiving therapy. The therapists even go to her daycare.
"They've done a very good job of helping her to grow and be a wonderful little girl," said John Marquis, McKale's father.
McKale receives physical, developmental and speech therapies. But thanks to the therapists at Easter Seals, McKale's parents say it's more fun for their daughter than it is work.
"It means everything To see her achieve things she doesn't even understand she's achieving, but we know she is achieving it means that you don't ever discount anyone with special needs," said John Marquis.
The family says with the help Easter Seals, they look forward to watching McKale grow and amaze them every step of the way. She provides them with a little "twinkle" in their life.
"We feel very blessed and honored to be in the Easter Seals circle," said Shelley Marquis.
You can take action for kids just like McKale by donating to Easter Seals during the Easter Seals Telethon on Saturday, March 2nd from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on WMBD 31.
Meet McKale Marquis. She's a three and a half year old little girl who loves her pink tutu and loves life. She's the star of the show.
"Full of lots of energy and smiles. It's kind of like traveling with a rock star. She's a popular little girl. Everywhere she goes, everyone is kind of drawn to her," said Shelley Marquis, McKale's mother.
McKale's parents were drawn to her the moment she was born. It was also a moment that would change their lives forever. They discovered then McKale has Down Syndrome.
"We were shocked to say the least and scared I would say, but it's good to be on the side of that and realize all the help and support we've had a long the way to show us everything is ok," said Shelley Marquis
The family found Easter Seals, and by the time McKale was nine months old, she was already receiving therapy. The therapists even go to her daycare.
"They've done a very good job of helping her to grow and be a wonderful little girl," said John Marquis, McKale's father.
McKale receives physical, developmental and speech therapies. But thanks to the therapists at Easter Seals, McKale's parents say it's more fun for their daughter than it is work.
"It means everything To see her achieve things she doesn't even understand she's achieving, but we know she is achieving it means that you don't ever discount anyone with special needs," said John Marquis.
The family says with the help Easter Seals, they look forward to watching McKale grow and amaze them every step of the way. She provides them with a little "twinkle" in their life.
"We feel very blessed and honored to be in the Easter Seals circle," said Shelley Marquis.
You can take action for kids just like McKale by donating to Easter Seals during the Easter Seals Telethon on Saturday, March 2nd from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on WMBD 31.
